Prepare small index cards or pieces of paper with either a suffix, prefix, or root word written on each one. Introduce Latin definitions of common prefixes and suffixes, such as "dis," "im," "pre," "able," "ful," "ion," etc., and explain the definitions of root words. Then distribute cards to the students and have them walk around and look at other students' cards. The goal of the game is to find a partner to match with: putting root word, prefix and suffix cards together to make new words. For example, a student holding the card "im" should find someone holding the root word, "patient." When the students find each other, they can create a sentence using the word, and write it on the board. Points are awarded for speed and accuracy.
This game works well with partners, or as an individual exercise. Buy or make some prefix/suffix tiles or cards. Separate prefixes into one bag or basket, suffixes in another and root words in a third. Keep a chart on the board or print and laminate one that lists the prefixes and suffixes with their meanings. Students can try to make new words by starting with a root word and adding either a prefix or suffix (or both) and keeping a list of their new words. Students should check their words in a dictionary to make sure they are accurate (this could be a partner task). Then, students can write a definition for the new word and use it in a sentence and even draw a picture to represent the new word. You can print a template for students with six columns to help them organize, or have them copy your template from the whiteboard into their notebooks to use for the game. Use some or all of the following categories: "Root word," "Prefix," "Suffix," "New word," "Definition" and "Sentence."
You can make variations of this game, but one way is to print root words on separate slips of paper or small index cards, fold the papers, and put them in a basket. Then fill a second basket with papers/cards containing a prefix or suffix each. Add to one basket about five small slips of paper that say "Kaboom!"
Divide the class into two teams. Have the first player close his eyes and draw one slip of paper from each basket. The player should then open his eyes and put the prefix/suffix and root word together to make a new word out loud. If the prefix or suffix drawn does not match the root word to make a real word, the student should answer thus. If he answers correctly, that team gets a point.
However, if the student draws a "Kaboom!" all his or her team's points get erased and they are back to zero. This is a fun and exciting way to review correct usage of prefix and suffix words. Variations include having the student say whether his papers make a word, but also giving definition or a sentence using the word in order to get the point for the team.
This is a variation on the popular game "Scattergories." Give the students a prefix, suffix or root word by writing it on the board or having the students sit around a table with one word card face up. While the timer runs for two minutes, students must write every word they can think of with that prefix or suffix. When the timer goes off, each person shares the words he has created. For every word that a student has that nobody else has, they receive one point. If the word does not make sense (for example, if the prefixes and suffixes are not used correctly) the word does not count.
To reinforce prefix/suffix concepts in other classes such as reading or social studies, have students read and highlight those words and give the definitions.
Create compare/contrast posters illustrating root words, then adding various prefixes or suffixes to the word to make new or opposing words. Word web posters work well, too: in the center write a suffix or prefix, then draw lines coming out of the center circle and connecting to other new words using those prefixes or suffixes.